Community Forums

FTRV4aYr · 05-17-2013, 03:52 PM

My husband and I just purchased a 43' 2008 Fleetwood Revolution. We both have our CA learner's permits for a Non-Commercial Class B license and both have completed two days of intensive private driving lessons. We are ready to take the test, but our instructor lives way out in Yucca Valley and there are no appointments available out that way until late June.

We currently have drive test appointments at the Torrance DMV for June 3rd at 8:00 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. and need to find a kind soul with either a CA Non-Commercial Class B or CA CDL to drive us to DMV for the test. Anyone available and willing to help out a couple of newbies on their way to becoming full timers? We would be eternally grateful!

lllkrob · 05-17-2013, 05:41 PM

Depending on their schedule you may be able to "rent" a supervising driver at your local school bus operation for a reasonable fee. That's what I did to comply with Maryland's ridiculous requirements for my Class B license.

Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' · 05-18-2013, 09:41 AM

Most RV dealerships have licensed drivers, I was one, and those drivers might give you assistance for a fee. I did it several times and no one at the DMV ever asked to see me or my CDL.

DonDee · 05-18-2013, 10:07 AM

I drove a bus to a CA. DMV to get my Class BP. No one will ask if you drove there.

Wayne M · 05-18-2013, 10:34 AM

FTRV4aYr,

Congratulations on trying to do it the correct way. That in itself says a lot for your character. Keep trying. Also check with any driving schools in your area. It may cost you a meal or more, but it's worth it.

Happy trails.

steveclv · 05-18-2013, 11:45 AM

You don't need a CA licensed operator - anyone with a license from a state that does not require Class B will be fine - FL etc

The crazy situation I found myself in was that my wife had a CA license and I had a NV one when we purchased our 38' DP - in order to be able to drive the coach legally I had to always have here with me even though she had never driven, nor ever did, the coach.

You can have a FL car license and drive a 60k # 45' Prevost legally and drive it across all states that restrict their residents to 18,000# limits. Doesn't make much sense to me, especially in our modern times where everyone is so mobile.

Maybe it's a good time to Federalize driving licenses in the same way commercial licenses are.

Skip426 · 05-18-2013, 12:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steveclv

Maybe it's a good time to Federalize driving licenses in the same way commercial licenses are.

Oh come on , that would be way to easy, and think of all the poor state law makers you'd be putting out of work , and the money the government would save.

Chow5656 · 05-18-2013, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

Oh come on , that would be way to easy, and think of all the poor state law makers you'd be putting out of work , and the money the government would save.

NO, it would make EVERYONE take A drug test just like A CDL holder has too every two years.. NOW that would NEVER fly with JQ public!!!! And I don't think (2) days of instruction will do it honestly!!

amanda_h · 05-18-2013, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chow5656

NO, it would make EVERYONE take A drug test just like A CDL holder has too every two years.. NOW that would NEVER fly with JQ public!!!! And I don't think (2) days of instruction will do it honestly!!

Nah, most states that do require a non-commercial Class B for driving a motorhome over 26,000 GVWR do not require drug tests nor yearly or bi-yearly physical exams. We have Nevada non-commercial drivers' licenses and that is what distinguishes the the non-commercial license and the CDL ...no physical exam/DOT physical card required, otherwise, the testing and requirements are the same.

We agree with Steveclv. There really should be a Federal standard for driving heavier motorhomes. As I've said in other threads, it's ridiculous that we are required to have a Class B license to drive our diesel pusher on the roads of Nevada but our friends from Washington state have a larger and heavier rig and can come down to NV and drive their coach on the exact same roads in Nevada without having ever taken a written test nor a road test as no special license is required in Washington state.

Public transit bus and school bus drivers are required to take courses to learn how to drive what is essentially the exact same dimensioned vehicle and yet there is no training course required for driving a diesel pusher motorhome.

-harry